LET'S DISARM THE ENEMY

Change agents have landed many successful blows by accusing those who oppose them of certain failures in their teaching, worship and practice of Christianity.  The effective use of this approach has been the reason large numbers of brethren allow these false teachers to stay and function in their midst, even though they really do not agree with their philosophy and call for change. The change agents present themselves as pleasant, kind, caring and tolerant and since they emphasize practicing the principles of Christ in daily life, these brethren tolerant them.

To disarm and neutralize these accusing invaders we must live our lives and do our work in such a way as to put the lie to their accusations. I challenge every preacher among us to consider the following suggestions which will effectively disarm them.

• When we preach, let the truth be presented in love (Eph. 4:15). Away with harsh, hateful proclamations that insult and offend even good people. Away with sarcasm and ridicule in the pulpit.  "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:6).

• When we have to correct a brother, let us do so with love and compassion, in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1).  Treat the erring brother or sister as you would wish to be treated were you in their place (Matt. 7:12).

• Let us never be quarrelsome and factious in our attitude and conduct.  Agents of change really make an issue of the quarrels and divisions that disgrace our congregations and many of our preachers.  God has no use for the factious man, nor should we (Tit. 3:10-11).   Be peace makers (Matt. 5:9). Give "diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph.4:3).  If division must come, let it clearly be at the hands of the agents of change!

• Let us live out our sermons in everyday life with deeds of service, care and compassion for those about us (Gal. 6:10). Greatness is in service not in position or recognition (Matt. 20:26-28).

• Let's us work to make our worship services truly meaningful so that no one can complain that they are dry, boring and lifeless.  We all know the difference between singing and preaching that is uninspiring and that which is. Where worship and lessons are uplifting and inspirational, change agent are powerless.

• Let us be less critical and judgmental of our brethren and seek the good they do and dwell upon it.  If we are honest, each of us falls short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).  All of us are limited in some areas of our knowledge. All of us desperately need mercy if we hope to be saved (Tit. 3:5).  All of us have been wrong is some areas of our thinking and had to make adjustments as we learned better.  Hence we need to be patient with each other and slow to attack, condemn or reject a brother with whom we differ. We should receive each other as Christ received us when we first came to him (Rom. 15:7). Such an attitude is "to the glory of God."

• Let us be true students of the sacred book.  Change agents shame and ridicule us as mere pikers who know only the outer wrappings of the word of God.  Spend the necessary hours in your books, searching the Scriptures and verifying your information so that when you preach and teach, you can do so with authority (Matt. 7:28-29).  Thus prepared, no man can gainsay your message (Tit. 1:9)!

• Be interested in young people. Where they are neglected they will either leave the church or gravitate to those who show interest in them. Change agents allure them into their silken web and their apostasy.

• Be flexible in all areas where God has not legislated. Many things in our life and society change for the better. We have modern buildings, creature comforts such as air-conditioning, cushioned seats, carpeted floors. Such things will continue to improve and we should be not resistant to them.  Be firm in the essentials of the faith but flexible in all other areas. Such things as length of services, new hymnals and song books are matters we must not quarrel about.

• Be evangelistic. Don't allow yourself to be consumed with fighting error. Be a soul-winner. Support missionaries.  Build up the cause rather than use all of your time and energy shooting at those who have gone astray.

Follow these suggestions and you will create an environment where change agents cannot succeed.  Their calls will fall on deaf ears because you have disarmed them by your wise conduct.